Tag Archives: jazz
CD REVIEW: Brooklyn Jazz Underground “A Portrait of Brooklyn”
By Ron Netsky It’s no secret that some of the most vital artists in the contemporary jazz world can be found residing in Brooklyn. That’s why “A Portrait of Brooklyn” is an appropriate title for an excellent new album from Brooklyn Jazz Underground Records. The CD is full of great tracks showcasing the diverse writing […]
CD REVIEW: Manuel Valera “New Cuban Express”
By Ron Netsky There is a particularly transcendent moment at the beginning of “Upward,” the third track on Manuel Valera’s excellent new album. An urgent Latin beat is established when suddenly a swirl of notes come spiraling up out of nowhere with a wondrous sound, as if to say: Fasten your seat belts, this album is […]
JAZZ FEST 2012, DAY 9: Gov’t Mule, Locarno, Sierra Leone Refugee All Stars
BY WILLIE CLARK So, we’ve reached the end: the last day of this year’s Jazz Festival. It’s been a long ride, but there was still a lot going on Saturday night worth talking about. First up was the Sierra Leone Refugee All-Stars. Now, for better or for worse I try to leave politics aside when […]
JAZZ FEST 2012, Day 9: Raul Midon, Joanne Brackeen, Arun Ghosh
BY RON NETSKY While tapping guitar chords with his left hand and keeping up a steady beat on the bongos with his right, Raul Midon turned to the Kilbourn Hall audience Saturday and said, “I want you to notice there are no looping machines up here.” He didn’t need any. He picked, strummed, and slapped […]
JAZZ FEST 2012, Day 9: The Sadies, Chic Gamine, Trombone Shorty
BY FRANK DE BLASE I’m always ready to go toe to toe with hammerheads who bitch and moan about the Jazz Fest’s non-jazz content. But the fact that Jazz Fest kingpin John Nugent colors outside the lines and books a band like, let’s say, The Sadies — that is a jazz move. And in the […]
JAZZ FEST 2012, Day 8: Roy Haynes, Jean-Michel Pilc, Orlando LeFleming, Ryan Truesdell
BY RON NETSKY I guess there’s something positive about being in your 80s and having someone call you immature. I’m sorry, but that was my impression of legendary jazz drummer Roy Haynes at Kilbourn Hall Friday night. He joked around, tap danced twice, and seemed to be seriously trying to pick up a woman in […]
JAZZ FEST 2012, Day 8: Norah Jones, Jimmie Vaughan, Bridge Trio
BY FRANK DE BLASE Started off entirely on the jazz tip tonight as I took in The Bridge Trio at Max of Eastman Place. The group was impressively tight and impeccably dressed as it ventured in and out of the riffs and shapes each musician created. It was righteously crisp and quite cool. Headed over […]
JAZZ FEST 2012, DAY 8: Rochester Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra, Robi Botos Trio, Po’ Boys Brass Band
BY WILLIE CLARK Well, every night can’t be a face-melting, accordion-fueled dance party. After the zydeco chaos that was Thursday at the Jazz Fest, Friday night I operated on the more traditional and laid-back end of the jazz musical spectrum. First up was the Rochester Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra under the Big Tent. Another big band […]
JAZZ FEST 2012, Day 7: Colin Stetson, Ruthie Foster, Pokey LaFarge
BY FRANK DE BLASE It can be somewhat difficult to consider your parents as human beings, as individuals with hopes and dreams and desires of their own. Well, as uncomfortable as it may sound, I watched my mother fall in love with bass saxophonist Colin Stetson Thursday night. Stetson is one of those acts at […]
JAZZ FEST 2012, Day 7: Daryl Hall & Keb’ Mo’, Bjorn Thoroddsen
BY RON NETSKY The stage was set up in an unusual way for Daryl Hall and Keb’ Mo’s appearance Thursday night at Kodak Hall. Surrounding the back and side walls of the stage was a faux-wood recreation of the music room where Hall hosts “Live From Daryl’s House.” The webcast features a wide variety of […]
